Health & Fitness

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It wouldn't be an official grand opening in Kincardine without the skirl of the bagpipes.

And, thanks to former Kincardine recreation director Keith Davidson, the pipes were there and he piped the dignitaries and the crowd on a lap around the indoor walking track Friday afternoon at the new Davidson Centre gymnasium addition.

Completed by the Oct. 31 deadline, the $3-million new gym was one of three projects that were highlighted at the event as they were done with federal and provincial funding. The others were the $1-million Kincardine Arts Centre exterior upgrade, and $300,00 new washrooms at Connaught Park.

About 80 people gathered for the ceremony in the warm viewing area, beside the track.

Kincardine councillor Kenneth Craig, as recreation policy chairman, welcomed everyone and was MC for the opening.

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb was pleased to see the result of the federal government's initiatives to get capital infrastructure money flowing into the rural areas.

"Our programs brought renewed investment to our communities for the benefit of our taxpayers," he said.

"I know it's all tax money, but extra government funding means the municipal share from property taxes was only one-third of the cost for these projects."

He noted that Kincardine has made the walking track free to the public, unlike other facilities. "That's a good decision for the health and fitness of the community."

Lobb also thanked his provincial counterpart at the time, Carol Mitchell, for the support of the Ontario government on these capital works.

Craig said a lot of the praise for these projects goes to recreation director Karen Kieffer and her staff who had the preliminary planning done, so when the money became available, the work could begin.

Speaking on behalf of Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, constituency assistant for Kincardine Lynne DiCocco brought congratulations to the municipality on the completion of these projects.

Kincardine mayor Larry Kraemer brought the same sentiments, adding kudos to the Davidson Centre Revitalization Committee led by chairman Andy Burgess, and to the architects and builders who did an excellent job for the municipality.

 Keith Davidson said when the original community centre was built, half of the people wanted a gym, and the other half wanted a hall for banquets and dances. So, Kincardine created a hybrid of the two. "Now, finally, the other half of the people are getting what they want - a new gym."

He then proceeded to pipe Burgess, the other dignitaries and the crowd around the track.

"This is a great facility - use it and enjoy it," said Kraemer. "I expect the walking track will be well-used as we encourage health and activity in our community."

Paul Sapounzi of The Ventin Group, architect on the arts centre project, presented Kraemer with a gold key to display in the building.

"Thank you for inviting us and trusting us to do the restoration on this heritage building," he said.

He told the crowd that the original Kincardine Town Hall structure was built in 1872 at a cost of $8,000 - or $1/square foot. "And shortly after it was built, it started leaking," he said, to laughter from the crowd as the building still leaks.

"That's why the dormers were removed," said Sapounzi. "We've restored them and the building looks great."

Jim Strasman of Strasman Architects which did the new gymnasium addition, said it is a bittersweet moment once the work is done. "We've been working on this project for so long and now it's over. It's gratifying but now it has come to an end."

He thanked the municipality, the revitalization committee and staff for a good working relationship. "I won't miss the drive here from Toronto, especially the closed roads in the winter time."

Looking at the indoor walking track, he noted that for distance walkers, 10 laps around the track equals one kilometre.

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb (L), Lynne DiCocco of Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson's office, and Kincardine mayor Larry Kraemer at the cake-cutting during the grand opening of the new gymnasium addition

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Sunday, November 27, 2011